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Early Morning Routines Redefine Lifestyle Trends at Bondi Beach

A viral image capturing Bondi Beach in the early morning has highlighted a growing cultural shift in Sydney, where pre-dawn routines are becoming the norm.

Background and Social Context

Bondi Beach has long been a popular coastal destination, but recent online footage and photography have reignited global interest, not for its waves or tourist appeal, but for what occurs before sunrise.

A photograph taken on 14 March 2025, just after 7 a.m., showed crowds already active across the shoreline. Captured by photographer Eugene Tan, the image was shared by investor Ivan Power, who flagged the emergence of what he calls the “Morning Economy.”

The trend has been developing steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered daily routines and sparked new preferences for healthier and more structured lifestyles. While nightlife once dominated urban culture, current patterns suggest a widespread shift toward early starts and community activity.

Rise of the Morning Economy

People at Bondi Beach, both locals and visitors, are socialising, exercising, and even working before dawn. Business meetings, dating events, and social activities are increasingly scheduled for early hours, with some dating clubs launching 7 a.m. gatherings and local cafes adjusting to demand by opening before 6 a.m.

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The shift has not gone unnoticed. Ivan Power noted on LinkedIn that Sydney could be considered a global leader in the Morning Economy, driven by demand for green spaces, fitness culture, and cost-effective leisure. With alcohol consumption and late-night activities declining among young Australians, early mornings are becoming the new standard for health and social connection.

Digital Reach and Reactions

A video posted by British influencer Molly-Mae Hague in March 2025 received over 700,000 views on TikTok, showcasing the 6 a.m. activity at Bondi Beach. Viewers observed joggers, surfers, swimmers, and sunrise-watchers, describing the atmosphere as vibrant and inspiring. Many international users praised the lifestyle, calling it an ideal way to begin the day.

Some viewers, however, were critical, calling Bondi overpriced and overcrowded. Others questioned the area’s nightlife, noting its early closures and quieter evenings compared to cities abroad.

Bondi Beach morning routines — *Photo Credit: Molly-Mae Hague/Tiktok*

Divided Public Response

Commentary on social media has reflected a range of opinions. While many commenters praised the routine as healthy and aspirational, others dismissed it as pretentious or inaccessible. Observations were based on public comments rather than formal polling, and some concerns were raised about the inclusivity of such trends, particularly in areas without similar infrastructure or green spaces.

Former England cricket coach Jon Lewis also weighed in, stating that Australia’s outdoors-oriented culture may give its athletes a physical advantage. He cited a personal experience walking from Bondi to Coogee, noting the number of residents already engaged in fitness activities early in the morning.

Bondi Beach sunrise — *Photo Credit: Molly-Mae Hague/Tiktok*

Looking Ahead

With the popularity of early mornings growing in both practice and social status, questions have emerged about how Sydney can better support this shift. Calls for increased investment in public green and blue spaces have been highlighted as a cost-effective way to support community wellbeing and economic growth.

The trend also suggests a potential rethinking of city planning and local business operations, centred around an early-hour lifestyle.

Published 27-May-2025

Bondi Beach Locals Left Reeling As Once-busy Restaurants Close Down

Photo Credit: BAR 34 BONDI Restaurant and live music/Facebook

Once a magnet for weekend crowds and sunset drinks, Bondi Beach is now facing a troubling shift, with empty shopfronts and closed signs replacing the familiar buzz. A string of long-time restaurants and bars has quietly shut down, and locals are saying “there’s nothing there now.”

A Community Feeling Empty

Over the past year, the famous strip along Campbell Parade and Bondi Road has seen well-known venues shut down, including Mojos Tapas Bar, Bondi Hardware, Neighbourhood, Bar34 and The Anchor. Some of these places had served the community for more than a decade, drawing locals and tourists alike. Now, many of the spaces they once filled are sitting dark, gathering dust, and marked “For Lease.”

*Photo Credit: BAR 34 BONDI Restaurant and live music/Facebook*

Locals say the area feels emptier, especially in the evenings. Bondi has long been more than just a beach, it’s been a gathering place. But for those who live nearby, the social side of Bondi is fading.

What’s Behind The Shutdowns?

Several factors have come together to cause this decline. Rising rent prices have made it harder for small business owners to stay open. Some landlords, according to locals, haven’t adjusted to the reality of post-pandemic trading conditions. The cost of food, power and staff has also gone up, adding extra pressure to already tight margins.

Tourism numbers haven’t bounced back either. The closure of Noah’s Backpackers, a budget-friendly hostel that brought foot traffic to the area, has also hurt local cafes and restaurants. Many shops relied on the steady flow of young travellers to fill seats, especially during mid-week lulls.

A Change In How People Go Out

Even the way people socialise in Bondi seems to be changing. Business owners say fewer people are going out at night. Instead, early mornings have become the busiest time, with crowds out for walks, swims or coffee before work. This shift in behaviour has made it harder for bars and dinner spots to survive, especially those that relied on evening trade.

One business owner said that while the weekends are still lively, weekdays have grown quiet. Others say strict rules around outdoor drinking and noise have also added to the challenge.

Some Bright Spots Remain

Not everything is shuttered. Venues like Salty’s, Ravesis, Bondi Royal and Curly Lewis are still drawing decent crowds, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays. But there is a clear difference between now and the way things were just a few years ago. Locals say these remaining businesses are working harder than ever to keep people coming back.

While the beach itself still pulls in visitors, many fear Bondi is losing the personality that once made it special. Long-time residents hope to see change, but they also know the challenges won’t be easy to fix.

Published 19-May-2025

Bondi Wellness Festival Launches at Bondi Beach Pavilion

Photo Credit: Bondi Wellness Festival

A new wellness-focused event is set to take place at Bondi Beach, with the Bondi Wellness Festival bringing together movement, mindfulness and motivational sessions.

Full-Day Event Focused on Mind, Body and Community

The inaugural Bondi Wellness Festival will be held at the Bondi Pavilion on Sunday, 27 July 2025. Designed as an immersive wellness experience, the event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration opening at 8:00 a.m.

The festival is structured around three core themes—Movement, Connection and Expansion—each offering attendees a range of physical activities, restorative sessions and thought-provoking discussions. The program features expert facilitators, keynote speakers, live podcasts and interactive experiences across four dedicated spaces: the Seagull Room (Connection Space), High Tide Room (Movement Space), Theatre (Expansion Space), and Ocean Room (The Sanctuary).

Group exercise near Bondi Beach — *Photo Credit: Bondi Wellness Festival*

Movement Sessions to Engage the Body

Participants can join high-energy activities such as boxing with Rumble, cardio-dance with Jungle Body and strength training from The Glute Station. Yoga, Pilates and running workshops by The Running Room are also scheduled. The sessions are designed to allow attendees to reconnect with their physical wellbeing through guided expression and group fitness.

Connection Activities Offer Restorative Experiences

The Connection stream offers sessions focused on breathwork, mindfulness, sound-based therapy and techniques to manage stress. Notable facilitators include Bondi lifeguard Dean Gladstone and Katy Graczer, who will lead a breathing session focused on stress management and sleep. Other facilitators include Rory Warnock, and a combined Pilates and sound healing session will be delivered by Nikki Kiel and Eddie Nelson.

Bondi Beach event venue — *Photo Credit: Bondi Wellness Festival*

Expansion Stream Highlights Panels and Live Podcasts

The Expansion component features expert-led panels and talks on topics including fertility, biohacking and mental health. A scheduled panel titled “Everything you should have been taught at school about women’s health & fertility” includes input from IVF Australia, Dr Raewyn Tierney and others.

Additional speakers include Gina Chick, Sandor Earl, and Trent Knox. Live podcast recordings will also take place, including a session by The Bondi Podcast. Sinead Hegarty, who will deliver both a keynote and a guided meditation, is also featured on the Expansion schedule.

The Sanctuary and Onsite Experiences

A fourth space, called The Sanctuary, will offer optional micro-experiences including tarot readings with Madam T, head massage therapy from Molly Jordan, and a curated bookstall by Gertrude & Alice. These services are available at an additional cost, with bookings taken onsite.

Entry, Ticketing and Venue Access

Early bird tickets are priced at $120 and include access to all core sessions, excluding Sanctuary treatments. Attendees must pre-register for individual sessions due to room capacity limits ranging from 15 to 200 people. Food is not included, but options from Pavilion cafés Glory Days and Surfish will be available throughout the day.

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Looking Ahead

Set along the Bondi Beach foreshore, the festival provides a customisable program where participants can choose from a range of wellness experiences at their own pace. With sessions catering to both energetic and introspective interests, the event aims to build a temporary yet connected wellness community by the sea.

Published 13-May-2025

Bondi Beach to Host Major New Year’s Eve Festival for the First Time in a Decade

Photo Credit: Shore Thing, NYE at Bondi Beach/Facebook

For the first time in over ten years, Bondi Beach will be home to a large-scale New Year’s Eve music festival, set to welcome up to 15,000 people and create a new local tradition that blends celebration with community spirit.

A Fresh Start for Bondi Celebrations

After a decade-long break, Waverley Council has approved a new Bondi Beach New Year’s Eve festival. Local promoters Fuzzy, known for events like Listen Out and Field Day, will lead the celebration, the first major NYE event since Shore Thing ended in 2014.

*Photo Credit: Shore Thing, NYE at Bondi Beach/Facebook*

The event is planned to run from early evening into the night on 31 December, 2025. Festivalgoers can expect music, food and a strong local presence, with organisers promising to make this a respectful and inclusive event for both residents and visitors.

Balancing Fun With Community Needs

To avoid disruption, Fuzzy’s plan includes controls for crowd flow, transport and noise. A nearby family zone will feature food trucks, local acts and a 9 p.m. fireworks show for residents and early-goers.

Local officials say the goal is to reintroduce NYE events in a way that respects the needs of the Bondi community. According to Waverley Councillor Michelle Stephenson, the festival is intended to be “inclusive and safe,” with added value for locals, not just tourists.

Learning From the Past

The new festival draws on lessons from the 2014 Shore Thing event, which ended over crowd and noise concerns. Fuzzy and the council plan to improve logistics and involve the local community.

Bondi Beach has a rich history of music events, including a performance from DJ Carl Cox during the 1999–2000 New Year. Organisers hope the new format will bring back the energy without the issues of the past.

A Cultural and Economic Boost

The return of a structured NYE event is expected to boost Bondi’s hospitality and retail sectors, encouraging locals to celebrate nearby instead of heading elsewhere.

Fuzzy plans to hire local performers and work with community groups to ensure Bondi’s identity is reflected in the event. Planning is still ongoing, but the council’s decision gives organisers the green light to start building what they hope will become an annual celebration.

Published 5-May-2025

Masters Legends Recognised at 2025 Surf Life Saving Championships in Bondi Beach

Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook

The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach saw four accomplished Masters competitors inducted into the SLSA Masters Legends.

Celebrating Outstanding Achievements at Bondi Beach

Four Masters competitors were formally recognised as the newest SLSA Masters Legends during the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Bondi Beach.

The honourees were Laura Thurtell (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), Rod Taylor (Mooloolaba SLSC, QLD), Louise Santos (Bondi SBLSC, NSW), and Ted Smithies (Newport SLSC, NSW).

32 Years of Masters Competition

The Masters Championship at the Aussies has been running for 32 years. Masters competitors, aged 35 and over, play a vital role in surf lifesaving by contributing to club structures and maintaining competitive excellence.

The SLSA Masters Legends program was first established in 2019, recognising those who have achieved consistent, outstanding results over a sustained period.

Recognising the 2025 SLSA Masters Legends

Bondi Beach Masters Legends ceremony 2025 — *Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Laura Thurtell from Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club first competed in Masters events in 2006 and has consistently finished on the podium across Surf, Board, Tube, Ironwoman, Ski, and Beach events. Between 2019 and 2022, she secured 19 Gold medals.

2025 SLSA Masters Legends inductees at Bondi Beach — Caption: Mr Rod Taylor’s award collected by club representative.
Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook

Rod Taylor, representing Mooloolaba SLSC, began competing in 2003 in the 50–54 years beach events and has maintained a podium presence ever since. At the 2023 Championships, he dominated the over-70s category, winning every event he joined.

Louise Santos recognised at Bondi Beach Aussies 2025 — *Caption: Ms Louise Santos’s award collected by her husband.*
*Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Louise Santos, also from Bondi SBLSC, collected 32 Gold, 19 Silver, and 19 Bronze medals between 2005 and 2023. Her achievements span Ironwoman, Rescue and Resuscitation, Board, and Pool Rescue disciplines.

Ted Smithies recognised at Bondi Beach Aussies 2025 — *Photo Credit: SLSA/Facebook*

Representing Newport SLSC, Ted Smithies secured 31 Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze medals from 2001 to 2024, with a focus on beach sprints, relays, and flags.

Community Response to the 2025 Inductees

The surf lifesaving community shared widespread congratulations following the announcement at Bondi Beach. Supporters and clubmates took to online platforms to recognise the inductees’ sustained achievements and their impact on surf lifesaving at club and national levels.

Continuing the Legacy

With the induction of the 2025 Masters Legends, the SLSA continues to honour the legacy of excellence in surf lifesaving. Previous inductees include notable names such as Dianne Wallace-Ward, Davina Strauss and David Hutchison.

The tradition highlights the significant role of Masters competitors in upholding the sport’s standards and fostering club spirit.

Published 27-Apr-2025

Bondi Beach to Welcome Japanese Coffee Giant % Arabica in 2025

A major global coffee brand is setting up shop in Bondi Beach, with Japanese favourite % Arabica confirmed to open its first Australian café at the busy corner of Hall Street and Campbell Parade.

Landmark Location Chosen for Australian Debut

The new store is planned to launch in late 2025 and will be part of the Hall & Campbell luxury apartment development in the heart of Bondi Beach’s shopping and dining zone. The corner spot previously housed the well-known Bates Milk Bar, a community favourite with deep local roots.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

% Arabica confirmed the news via a newly launched Instagram page for its Australian branch, while retail leasing firm executives also noted the lease had been secured. They highlighted the location’s strong local foot traffic and visibility as a key factor in the decision.

A Global Brand Eyes Local Coffee Culture

Founded by Kenneth Shoji in Kyoto in 2014, % Arabica has grown into a highly recognisable coffee brand across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It currently operates 224 locations worldwide, with upcoming stores announced in countries including Nepal, Iraq, and Spain.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Shoji’s vision for % Arabica is to encourage cultural exchange and appreciation through coffee. The brand’s motto, shared on its official website, encourages people to see the world through the lens of shared experiences over coffee.

Bondi Junction’s rich café culture and beachside buzz made it a natural choice for the brand’s Australian launch.

What This Means for Bondi Locals

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

For the Bondi Junction community, the arrival of a brand like % Arabica adds an international flavour to a local scene already full of cafés and food stops. The choice to open at a spot that holds historical meaning, where Bates Milk Bar once served locals for decades, adds another layer of connection to the area.

The company’s entry into the Sydney market may also create new jobs and offer a fresh coffee experience for both long-time residents and visitors heading to the beach.

Published 25-April-2025

Dramatic Police Pursuit Ends In Gunfire Near Bondi Beach

A dramatic early morning police pursuit ended with gunshots fired just meters from Bondi Beach when a police officer opened fire on a stolen Audi after the driver allegedly accelerated toward them.

The incident began around 4am Saturday when police spotted a dark-coloured Audi A1 on Old South Head Road in Rose Bay. The vehicle had been reported stolen from a property in Double Bay the previous night.

According to Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore, officers initiated a pursuit but abandoned it less than two minutes later due to the vehicle’s “high speed and erratic driving.”

The Audi was later located in the dead-end lane of Sir Thomas Mitchell Road in Bondi, just a block from the famous beach. When an officer approached the vehicle, the 37-year-old driver allegedly accelerated toward the officer, who then fired six shots at the vehicle.

Residents reported hearing an officer yelling “get out of the car” and “get on the ground” followed by multiple gunshots. After allegedly ramming a police vehicle, the driver fled the scene, prompting a manhunt across the eastern suburbs.

The abandoned Audi was discovered around 6:30am on Murriverie Road in North Bondi by a local resident.

The suspect, who is known to police, was located nearby shortly after and taken into custody. He is currently “assisting with inquiries,” according to police. Both the driver and police officers were uninjured in the incident, confirmed after hospital checks.

Superintendent Radmore defended the officer’s approach to the vehicle and use of force, stating: “Police are doing their job to keep people in the community safe.” She added that the incident “shouldn’t be tolerated and should be dealt with the full force of the law.”

The incident disrupted the normally peaceful beachside community, with police tape surrounding the crime scene throughout Saturday morning. Several residents were either delayed in accessing their homes or turned away entirely.

The Audi has been seized for forensic examination. Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage from the area between 4am and 6:30am to contact Eastern Suburbs Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 19-April-2025

Bondi Beach Tar Balls Came From Sewage Network, EPA Confirms Bacteria Presence

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook

Investigations have confirmed that Sydney Water’s sewage network was the source of thousands of tar balls, containing bacteria including E. coli, which forced closures at Bondi Beach and other Sydney coastlines.

Investigation Narrows Source

The mystery surrounding the thousands of small, dark debris balls that washed ashore on Sydney beaches between October 2024 and January 2025 appears to be solved. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) concluded its investigation, pointing towards Sydney Water’s wastewater network as the origin.

This finding came after the composition of balls collected from beaches matched samples taken from several wastewater treatment plants. The balls, mostly marble-sized and black or grey, contained household fats, oils, grease, human hair, fibres, and some petroleum hydrocarbons.

Their appearance forced the closure of seventeen beaches, starting in the eastern suburbs at locations like Bondi Beach, Coogee, and Bronte, later appearing at Kurnell, and then across the Northern Beaches, including Manly and Dee Why. Given the EPA’s findings, initial thoughts that a passing ship might be responsible seem less likely.

Health Concerns and Bacteria Identified

Concerns were raised about the potential health risks associated with the tar balls. Testing revealed the presence of bacteria commonly found in sewage, including Enterococci, E. coli, and thermotolerant E. coli. These bacteria are known indicators of faecal contamination and can be linked to various illnesses like diarrhea and infections.

In addition, Northern Beaches Council organised its own independent tests on balls found on its shores, which also identified faecal matter and E. coli. The council alerted the public to its findings and shared the results with the EPA.

Communication Questions Raised

Documents released under freedom of information laws indicated that the EPA’s testing identified the presence of specific bacteria like E. coli shortly after the first incidents in October 2024. However, Randwick Council stated it was unaware of these specific bacterial findings when it deemed its beaches safe to reopen several days later, although it stressed that it acted cautiously by closing beaches and organising cleanups while awaiting results.

The EPA responded to these points, stating it had advised relevant authorities, including councils within the response team, of early analyses that indicated bacteria, but emphasised these results were not fully verified at that stage. The agency maintained that more comprehensive analysis was needed and that the public was consistently advised not to touch the debris balls. In December, an official EPA media release mentioned the balls contained “bacteria commonly associated with wastewater”.

Sydney Water Response and Prevention

Sydney Water acknowledged that an independent expert it commissioned also identified its network or facilities as the probable source. A Sydney Water manager stated that their coastal treatment facilities were operating normally and meeting regulatory standards, and no specific faults were found in the system.

Investigations suggested the tar balls may have formed over time due to an increased load of fats, oils, and grease entering the system, combined with specific oceanographic factors and weather conditions leading to potentially ten or more separate discharge events. Sydney Water stated it would contribute to the clean-up costs and consider long-term infrastructure upgrades where needed.

It also highlighted the community’s role in prevention, urging residents and businesses to dispose of fats, oils, and greases in the bin, not down the drain.

Public Advised to Remain Cautious

While experts have assessed the balls as a low threat to public health, the EPA’s official advice remains consistent: people should avoid touching debris balls found on beaches. Any new discoveries should be reported immediately to the local council or the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555. The EPA confirmed that its team of pollution experts and investigators is continuing work related to the incidents.

Published Date 16-April-2025

One Year On: Bondi Beach Reflects on Bondi Junction Stabbing

Photo Credit: MarjorieONeillCoogeeMP/Facebook

Bondi Beach is the focus of remembrance as the local community marks one year since the fatal Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing. The incident claimed six lives and injured several others.

Community Remembers Victims of Westfield Tragedy

One year after the 2024 mass stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach has become a focal point for commemoration, with public tributes honouring the six victims, survivors, and first responders.

On 13 April 2024, Joel Cauchi fatally stabbed six people and injured twelve others before being shot by police. The attack occurred within minutes inside the busy shopping centre, deeply affecting the Bondi community and beyond.

Commemorative installations and floral displays have been placed at Oxford Street Mall and Westfield Bondi to allow residents and visitors to pause and reflect on the impact of the tragedy.

Details of the Attack

The stabbing took place between 3:32 p.m. and 3:38 p.m. at Westfield Bondi Junction. Mr Cauchi, armed with a Ka-Bar knife, targeted mainly female shoppers. Multiple eyewitnesses reported that civilians attempted to intervene before Mr Cauchi was stopped by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.

The six victims were Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young, and Pikria Darchia. Among the injured was Ms Good’s nine-month-old daughter, who survived following surgery.

Memorials Across Bondi Beach and Junction

In the lead-up to the anniversary, Oxford Street Mall installed two display boards featuring images and messages collected after the tragedy. The boards will remain in place until 16 April.

Westfield Bondi has also arranged a large floral tribute near Zara on level 4, providing black ribbons at concierge desks. Digital screens throughout the centre are acknowledging the event, and Lifeline representatives are present to support visitors.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Bondi Junction*

Images of preserved flowers laid in the days following the incident are being reused in tribute. They are curated for both display and reflection.

Community and Government Response

Waverley Council, the NSW Government, and Scentre Group coordinated the commemorations, joined by members of the public and emergency services.

The first anniversary was described by officials as a day of mourning and reflection. Community support has remained strong throughout the year, with vigils, mental health services, and local initiatives continuing to assist those affected.

Local officials Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns acknowledged the anniversary, recognising the victims and praising the courage shown by first responders and civilians on the day.

Reflection and Ongoing Support

The Bondi Beach community continues to support each other through remembrance and ongoing services. Counselling remains available through Lifeline and other mental health organisations, with public reminders issued for anyone struggling with the memory of the incident.

The Westfield Bondi Junction site reopened five days after the event in 2024 with upgraded security and a day set aside for public reflection. Retail tenants were given rent relief during the closure.

Published 15-Apr-2025

Hero Security Guard Still Scarred One Year After Bondi Westfield Massacre

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Westfield Bondi Junction

One year after the tragic Bondi Westfield massacre, security guard Muhammad Taha continues to struggle with the physical and emotional trauma of that fateful day. Despite being granted permanent residency in Australia for his heroic actions, Taha has made the heartbreaking admission that he may never return to work as a security guard.

The massacre, which occurred on April 13, 2024, saw 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who suffered from schizophrenia, attack shoppers with a fighting knife. In just three minutes, Cauchi fatally stabbed six people and injured ten others before being shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott.

Taha, 30, and his colleague Faraz Tahir confronted Cauchi after running toward screaming shoppers. Cauchi fatally stabbed Tahir in the chest before attacking Taha, who was stabbed on the left side of his stomach. Despite his injury, Taha managed to call for help via his radio.

“At the last moment, he was with me and everything that happened was in front of my eyes, so it’s very painful,” Taha told news.com.au.

“With our bare hands, we did the best that we could,” he added. “If we were provided with some kind of protection or something… we would have been much better defending ourselves and protecting others.”

Following the attack, Westfield owner Scentre Group implemented new safety measures including body-worn cameras and stab-proof vests for security personnel. However, some advocates argue that security guards should be equipped with additional protective equipment.

Bryan de Caires, CEO of the Australian Security Industry Association Limited, continues to advocate for security guards to be nationally recognised as frontline workers. “Currently they’re not. We think that’s an oversight, a significant oversight,” he said.

An inquest into the stabbing is scheduled to run from April 28 to May 30. It will examine the emergency response procedures of Westfield’s owner Scentre Group and security subcontractors Falcon Manpower Solution and Glad Group.

Despite the trauma he endured, Taha expressed gratitude for the support he has received and plans to remain in Australia. “I’m planning to continue my stay in Australia and settle here permanently because I got the residency, so I will build my career here,” he said.

Published 13-April-2025